I’m sorry, but I had another post lined up for the blog. Because of what’s happened, I’ve posted a different one for obvious reasons and it has serious tones. Again, I’m very sorry.
I want to talk about Türkiye and Syria. Why? Well you don’t have to be a torpedo technician, to figure this out. On 6th February, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the neighbouring countries of Türkiye and Syria, across various regions. At the time of writing, the earthquake had killed 34,870 people, with 94,770 injuries and over 1.3 million people have been displaced.
You’ve probably seen the photos and read about the devastation across the countries, and it’s heartbreaking. Families are broken, lives have been lost and homes destroyed. There’s also the historic and cultural impacts to consider, like the 2,000 year old Gaziantep Castle, the Yeni Mosque and the Latin Catholic Church in Türkiye, as well as Syria’s Aleppo citadel being damaged and ruined.
People are scared and fearful. Their loved ones are dead, missing or trapped; their homes and schools are gone; while food, shelter and water are in short supply. Aftershocks, hunger, disease, and the cold, will be stalking the survivors; but also the thousands of people working to help. Another heartbreaking thing to think of, are the thousands of pets like cats and dogs, that are now homeless and ownerless.
I’ve said this before, but watching and reading about a disaster such as this, can give people the impression that there’s nothing they can do to help. That’s a lie. Even witnessing this catastrophe from different places around the world, you can still actually help and make a difference. I promise you that you can.
Right now, the fastest way to help the people of Türkiye and Syria is to donate. Yes, I know times are tough with the economy and inflation. We’re an one income family, so I get it. But please consider what money can do in the modern world: you can buy a PS5, the latest phone, season tickets to your favourite team or maybe Twitter Blue. Money is great and we all would like some, but it can also save lives.
A donation of any amount, can go towards buying blankets, first aid kits, torches, food, water, clothes, medicine, shelter, books or even toys. Whatever the amount of money you can spare, it will make a huge difference to the people of Türkiye and Syria. Case in point, and although we’re a small country, the New Zealand government has donated $1.5 million in humanitarian aid.
If you would like to donate, here are some international NGOs and charities that are working on earthquake relief in Türkiye and Syria:
International Committee of the Red Cross
International Rescue Committee
I really don’t know what else to say about this, except the regions are decimated; but just like everything, there is always hope. Hope that people can be found and rescued, houses and schools can be rebuilt, and families will be reunited. If you think you can donate, any amount would be amazing. And speaking of amazing, let’s give it up for the thousands of rescue and first aid workers from Türkiye and Syria; but also from around the world, working to help the people Türkiye and Syria.
And with that, I’m done. I’m back next week with the first stop on our Tour of the Solar System, which will be The Sun. It should be blazing. Look after yourselves and I’ll see you next week.
SOME GEEK TOLD ME 
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